April 12, 2026 Newsletter by Porter Kelly
"War is never holy! Only peace is holy." --Pope Leo XIV
NOTES FROM LEAH:
1) I attended the Delta County Planning Commission meeting and am pleased to say there was quite a large turnout, with many people offering words of caution and speaking against Data Centers here.
However, you should be aware that the Delta County Commission only has authority over the townships and cities that contract with them. I believe there are a total of 9. If you live in Gladstone, Escanaba, Ford River, or one of the other areas that do not contract with the county, you need to contact your township or city board and find out what plans and ordinances they have in place to protect your area from the environmental impacts a Data Center could have in your area.
2) I am seeking help with our May Day Event at the Market Square in Escanaba (see information under "Important Dates"). We need volunteers to draft and distribute information, create posters to hang inside the market, make baked goods, and pass out food. I am also looking for donations to help pay for the food. Donations can be made by Act Blue: Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue
IMPORTANT DATES:
Delta Unified Meeting - Wednesday, April 15, 5:30pm
Meeting will be held at Memorial United Methodist Church, 1920 Lake Shore Drive, Gladstone. Bring your own beverage and a dish to pass if you are able.
Make America Affordable Again Rally - Friday, April 17, 4:45-6pm
Food, gas, medical care and utilities have all gone up. The Federal Minimum wage has been stagnant for years. We'll meet in front of Walgreen's in Escanaba to demand affordability! Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/931406/
May Day Strong - Friday, May 1, all day
Call "mayday" regarding the things taking place in our country.This is what the national leaders of Indivisible are calling a dress rehearsal for a wider general strike. No work, no school, no shopping! More info here: May Day Strong
May Day Strong Community Event - Friday, May 1, 2:30-6pm
We have reserved the Market Square in Escanaba for a May Day Community Event. We would like to host an ice cream social providing free ice cream and baked treats. This will also be an opportunity to provide people with information about Delta County Unified and why we are calling "Mayday!" regarding the things taking place in our country.
NOTES FROM INDIVISIBLE "WHAT'S THE PLAN?" NATIONAL MEETING (3-19-26):
1) At this week's meeting they discussed May Day Strong plans, talked about the war in Iran, and discussed election integrity
2) Note: Next week's "What's the Plan?" will be on Wednesday instead of Thursday
LINK TO NEXT WEEK’S NATIONAL "WHAT'S THE PLAN?" CALL:
Indivisible What's the Plan - April 15
REQUESTS, INVITATIONS AND INFORMATION FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
From Delta Dems:
We requested and received a list of local open seats from our County Clerk for the August primary with a filing deadline of April 21. If you plan to run for any of these seats and have filed or plan to, please reply. If you haven't thought about it but may be interested or know someone who would be a good fit, please reply. Let's fill these ballots!!
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District Court Judge - Non-partisan - six-year term - file with the SOS
Road Commission - 2 six-year terms - file with County Clerk
Masonville Township Trustees - 2 partial terms ending 2028 - file with Masonville Township Clerk
Wells Township Supervisor - 1 partial term ending 2028 - file with Wells Township Clerk
Wells Township Trustee - 1 partial term ending 2028 - file with Wells Township Clerk
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On the November ballot - all non-partisan - filing deadline July 21:
All 6 School Districts - Board of Trustees 2-3 seats each District - file with County Clerk:
Bark River-Harris
Big Bay de Noc
Escanaba
Gladstone
Mid Peninsula
Rapid River
Bay College Board of Trustees - 3 six-year terms and 1 two-year partial term ending in 2028 - file with County Clerk
Village of Garden Board - file with Garden Township Clerk
In addition to these, we have many precinct delegate positions available in every precinct - filing deadline May 5 at 4:00pm. A list of precincts and a description is attached.
Also from Delta Dems:
We are once again selling car wash coupons as a fundraiser for our local party. The party receives $2 for each wash purchased.
GREAT NORTH AUTO WASH
2701 North Lincoln Road
Escanaba, MI
Here’s how it works:
There is a downloadable form attached. Please invite your friends and family to order the wash or washes of their choice, or you may just order for yourself. The washes must be paid in advance by cash or checks to the Delta County Democratic Party.
Orders are due no later than the May 6 meeting. You can bring them or drop off at the meeting or make arrangements in advance to get us your orders and also be sure to arrange for pickup of the coupons. It takes about two weeks to fulfill the orders.
From The Great Lakes Political Academy (GLPA):
The Great Lakes Political Academy (GLPA) is heading back to the Upper Peninsula this month to host our Becoming a LEADer candidate training, and we’d love your help getting the word out.
This training is designed for people considering running for local office or the state legislature who want to understand what it really takes to run and win.
Upcoming in-person candidate trainings with GLPA:
Marquette - Saturday, April 25 (10 AM – 3 PM)
St. Ignace - Sunday, April 26 (10 AM – 3 PM)
For those outside of a comfortable morning commute, we do have limited funds available to help cover hotel costs for those traveling in.
If interested, please see the attached media kit.
THREE-MINUTE CALL TO ACTION:
Contact at least five friends directly (call, email, text, group chat, talk in person) to let them know about May Day Strong. Let them know how you plan to participate and ask how they will participate. These friends can be anywhere, they don't necessarily need to be local. Posting on social media is great, too, but social media doesn't count for this call to action! Messaging a group of friends all at once is a great way to get this done quickly and also gets the group sharing ideas. Make sure you share the MayDayStrong.org website